This is why I like long runs and marathons, the carbo loading up the night before.  It's important to get a good balance of carbs and proteins before the marathon.  Don't overeat though.  Something italian with pasta is a good idea.  Don't do spicy.  I had this spicy thai dish for dinner before last year's MCM and my stomach wasn't happy with me. 

I have never tried the pancake idea... but I try to have a carbish meal every night starting wednesday. Pasta.pasta.pasta.... not a crazy amount, but just a treat of carbs after limiting them to loose weight that last month. We usually have a pasta party at the house with lasagna. yum....

I get up 3+ hours before the start and eat a 600 calorie, high carb breakfast, and drink some sports drink.  Maybe eggs and bacon would work too, but there's nobody around to cook them.

I'm with Immer and carb up 3-4 days before the race with a night before meal of chicken and rice.

I haven't tried the pancakes before a marathon,  I go with the basic banana and granola/power bar.  During the run I know you can always get GU and bananas from the volunteers when I begin to run low on enegry.

It's amazing how different we all can be.  Just the thought of bacon and eggs on the morning before a run has my stomach in a twist.  It's great that it works for you (while I'm stuck with a bagel, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a banana) and I wish I could eat like that.